deepundergroundpoetry.com

Sea and Sparrow

- Sea and Sparrow -

In the autumn of each year there are rarely blossoms,
On the cherry trees, sacred to the spirits of the land�
But one year, in Shimabara, they so bloomed for me.
Have you looked upon the sea, the tides and flotsam?
The way the rough waves crash: upon warmest sand.
You cannot stop the tides; you must ever let them be.
Nature is filled with miracles that we too oft overlook,
But of old poetry was written in the name of beauty�
Even by those who took up a sword as well as book.
Open your eyes, take my hand, and let us go and see!
The sparrow on the bamboo branch, innocently sings,
Not in praise of itself, but because its� call is so joyful.
Far from now is autumn as summer�s heat now stings,
But the tides never cease as the sparrow sings eternal.
Is the spirit any less than this, singing ever to Heaven?
Sing with me, and let our music soothe life�s troubles!
The old music is with us still, as it was way back then.
I share it with you, so that it may come to all peoples!
As freely as the sparrow sings: joy in every light note.
Remember this is what I said, and what I here wrote!

Throw a stone into a well, and listen as it falls below�
For every splash there is a ripple formed in the water.
Every word we utter is a stone, thrown out to the air!
Some weak, others as powerful as the wind to blow�
And so we must take care in every word we do utter.
Speak fairly therefore and merciful beyond compare!
Not all feel thusly, but blessed are those who ever do.
Will you come to the well, with me, to learn wisdom?
Take my hand and learn how dreams can come true!
Greater is the humble ripple than a powerful kingdom.
Who can stay the tide, or the stirring of great waves?
Let our voices be like water, crashing on the beach�
Humble yet strong, with a gracefulness that so saves!
Stretch forth, your song: and naught is beyond reach.
The lesson of the sea and the sparrow is not wasted,
For those with ear for beautiful music played happily.
The fruit of the cherry tree is savored, when tasted�
And sweet is the song, when love has won a victory!
Sing with love in your heart, and the gods will hear�
Mayhap they might be moved by joy, to shed a tear.

Behold the moon at night and see the pleasant shine!
It illuminates the fields whereon many a temple sits�
Within them you will find not greater sense of peace.
For no house of stone can contain the march of time,
But outside the stars glisten, as their light never quits.
Such is immortality, purer than the snowiest fleece�
Which the spirit possesses though the flesh does not.
Throw a stone into a well and listen for the splash�
Such is the music it makes, given form from thought!
Some thoughts caress whilst other sting, like the lash.
If love is a thought, then let our music make it real�
To sing of such is bliss, beneath the blossoms falling.
Let your spirit reach out and let your heart truly feel,
So that you understand: the power that is, so calling.
Embrace the miracles of the universe, being content,
Like the innocent sparrow whose song is most pure!
When the rain falls from the heights of the firmament,
You will see the ripples upon every puddle�s shore�
Let my words be like the rain, nurturing new growth!
Heed them if you will, finding meaning in their worth.